Stabilized finite element formulation for incompressible flow on distorted meshes

Flow computations frequently require unfavourably meshes, as for example highly stretched elements in regions of boundary layers or distorted elements in deforming arbitrary Lagrangian Eulerian meshes. Thus, the performance of a flow solver on such meshes is of great interest. The behaviour of finite elements with residual‐based stabilization for incompressible Newtonian flow on distorted meshes is considered here. We investigate the influence of the stabilization terms on the results obtained on distorted meshes by a number of numerical studies. The effect of different element length definitions within the elemental stabilization parameter is considered. Further, different variants of residual‐based stabilization are compared indicating that dropping the second derivatives from the stabilization operator, i.e. using a streamline upwind Petrov–Galerkin type of formulation yields better results in a variety of cases. A comparison of the performance of linear and quadratic elements reveals further that the inconsistency of linear elements equipped with residual‐based stabilization introduces significant errors on distorted meshes, while quadratic elements are almost unaffected by moderate mesh distortion. Copyright © 2008 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.     

Conforming finite element computations applied to a spatially periodic,harmonic Navier-Stokes problem

In this paper computations in the two dimensional case of a harmonic Navier-Stokes problem with periodic boundary conditions are presented. This study of an incompressible viscous fluid leads to a non-symmetric linear problem (very low Reynolds number). Moreover unknown functions have complex values (monochromatic dynamic behaviour). Numerical treatment of the incompressibility condition is a generalization of the classical treatment of Stokes problem. A mixed formulation, where discrete pressure plays the role of Lagrange multipliers is used (Uzawa algorithm). Two conforming finite element methods are tested on different meshes. The second one uses a classical refinement in the shape function: the so-called bulb function. All computational tests show that the use of a bulb function on each element gives better results than refinement in the mesh without introducing too many degrees of freedom. Finally numerical results are compared to experimental data.     

基于余能原理的有限变形问题有限元列式

利用基面力概念,推导了一种基于余能原理的有限变形问题显式有限元列式,可应用于结构的大位移、大转动问题。以基面力为状态变量来表达单元的余能,将有限变形情况下的单元余能分解为变形余能部分和转动余能部分,利用Lagrange乘子法推导出余能原理有限元的控制方程,编制了相应的非线性有限元程序。通过算例分析,说明该列式和程序的可靠性和精确性。     

On the stability of bubble functions and a stabilized mixed finite element formulation for the Stokes problem

In this paper we investigate the relationship between stabilized and enriched finite element formulations for the Stokes problem. We also present a new stabilized mixed formulation for which the stability parameter is derived purely by the method of weighted residuals. This new formulation allows equal‐order interpolation for the velocity and pressure fields. Finally, we show by counterexample that a direct equivalence between subgrid‐based stabilized finite element methods and Galerkin methods enriched by bubble functions cannot be constructed for quadrilateral and hexahedral elements using standard bubble functions. Copyright © 2008 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.     

Stabilized finite element method for simulation of freeway traffic

The modeling of traffic flow is a key tool to simulate and predict the behavior of traffic systems. Macroscopic traffic simulation models are based on advection dominated coupled non-linear partial differential equations. The solution of such advection dominated equations with the method of finite elements is leading to the development of stabilization techniques. The choice of suitable stabilization parameters is often application-dependent. A stabilized finite element procedure on the basis of a Galerkin/least-square approximation is presented for systems of transient advection-dominated equations. A general rule for computing suitable element stabilization parameters is outlined which uses the spectral radius of the differential operators and the specific element expansion. The application of this approximation to a macroscopic traffic model shows the applicability of this approach. Simulation results of typical phenomena of jam formation in freeway traffic are presented.     

Stabilized Crouzeix-Raviart element for the coupled Stokes and Darcy problem

This paper introduces a new stabilized finite element method for the coupled Stokes and Darcy problem based on the nonconforming Crouzeix-Raviart element. Optimal error estimates for the fluid velocity and pressure are derived. A numerical example is presented to verify the theoretical predictions.     

Non-linear static-dynamic finite element formulation for composite shells

Three non-linear finite element formulations for a composite shell are discussed. They are the simplified large rotation (SLR), the large displacement large rotation (LDLR), and the Jaumann analysis of general shells (JAGS). The SLR and the LDLR theories are based on total Lagrangian approach, and the JAGS is based on a co-rotational approach. Both the SLR and LDLR theories represent the in-plane strains exactly the same as Green's strain-displacement relations, whereas, only linear displacement terms are used to represent the transverse shear strain. However, a higher order kinematic through the thickness assumption is used in the SLR theory, which leads to parabolic transverse shear stress distribution compared to a first order kinematic through the thickness relationship used in the LDLR theory that leads to linear transverse shear stress distribution. Furthermore, the LDLR theory uses an Euler-like angle in the kinematics to account for the large displacement and rotation. The JAGS theory decomposes the deformation into stretches and rigid body rotations, where an orthogonal coordinate system translates and rotates with the deformed infinitesimal volume element. The Jaumann stresses and strains are used. Layer-wise stretching and shear warping through the thickness functions are used to model the three-dimensional behavior of the shell, where displacement and stress continuities are enforced along the ply interfaces. The kinematic behavior is related to the original undeformed coordinate system using the global displacements and their derivatives. Numerical analyses of composite shells are performed to compare the three theories. The commercial code ABAQUS is also used in this investigation as a comparison.     

Stabilized finite element method for flows with multiple reference frames

We present a space‐time finite element method capable of dealing with flows in multiple co‐rotating reference frames. Since equal order interpolation is used for all degrees of freedom, Galerkin/least‐squares stabilization is applied. We give a detailed derivation of the equations involved, introduce the variational form, present the stabilization parameters, and also discuss implementation issues. Numerical examples in 2D and 3D show generality and efficiency of the method, if steady‐state behavior of rotating components is sufficient for the CFD analysis. Copyright © 2015 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.     

Lagrangian finite element analysis applied to viscous free surface fluid flow

A new Lagrangian finite element formulation is presented for time-dependent incompressible free surface fluid flow problems described by the Navier-Stokes equations. The partial differential equations describing the continuum motion of the fluid are discretized using a Galerkin procedure in conjunction with the finite element approximation. Triangular finite elements are used to represent the dependent variables of the problem. An effective time integration procedure is introduced and provides a viable computational method for solving problems with equality of representation of the pressure and velocity fields. Its success has been attributed to the strict enforcement of the continuity constraint at every stage of the iterative process. The capabilities of the analysis procedure and the computer programs are demonstrated through the solution of several problems in viscous free surface fluid flow. Comparisons of results are presented with previous theoretical, numerical and experimental results.     

Variational formulation of a three-dimensional surface-related solid-shell finite element

The solution of structural analysis problems, especially of shell structures, demands an efficient numerical solution strategy. Since unilateral contact problems are investigated, the shell model is formulated with respect to one of the outer surfaces, i.e., the shell formulation is surface-related. In particular, the investigation of textile reinforced strengthening layers (Brameshuber (ed.) in State-of-the-Art Report of RILEM Technical Commitee 201—TRC, 2006) will be carried out by this approach. Since shells are three-dimensional structures, i.e., bodies, the field equations of continuum mechanics are the starting point. This set of partial differential equations with pertinent boundary conditions has to be solved. An efficient numerical solution of this problem becomes easier, if the problem is reformulated using variational formalism. A corresponding mathematically abstract formulation of the underlying variational principle of the three-dimensional surface-related solid-shell finite element is stated. The discretization of the mathematically abstract principle is, among others, the source of several locking phenomena. The presented shell formulation assumes linear shell kinematics with six displacement parameters, circumventing a rotation formulation. This low-order shell kinematics produces parasitical strains and stresses, leading to poor approximations of the solution or even useless results. Therewith, extensions and/or adjustments of well-known techniques to prevent or at least reduce locking like the assumed natural strain method (Simo and Hughes in J Appl Mech 53:52–54, 1986) and the enhanced assumed strain method (Simo and Rifai in Int J Numer Methods Eng 29:1595–1638, 1990) have to be carried out. Using these adapted methods, a reliable and efficient solid-shell element with tremendously reduced locking properties is obtained. This concept comprises the utilization of unmodified three-dimensional constitutive relations by a minimal number of kinematical parameters. Finally, two nonlinear examples illustrate the reliability and the efficiency of the new solid-shell element.     

A polygonal finite element formulation for modeling nearly incompressible materials

The objective of the present paper is to develop a finite element formulation for modeling nearly incompressible materials at large strains using polygonal elements. The present finite element formulation is a simplified version of the three-field mixed formulation and, in particular, it reduces the functional of the internal potential energy by expressing the field of the average volume-change in terms of the displacement field, where the latter is discretized using the Wachspress shape functions. The reduced mixed formulation eliminates the volumetric locking in nearly incompressible materials and enhances the computational efficiency as the static condensation is circumvented. A detailed implementation of the finite element formulation is presented in this study. Also, different example problems, including eigenvalue analysis, nonlinear patch test and other benchmark problems are presented for demonstrating the accuracy and the reliability of the developed formulation for polygonal elements.

     

Static wetting on flexible substrates: a finite element formulation

In static wetting on an elastic substrate, force exerted by the liquid–vapour surface tension on a solid surface deforms the substrate, producing a capillary ridge along the contact line. This paper presents a finite element formulation for predicting elastic deformation, close to the static wetting line (with angle of contact=90o and σSV=σSL).The substrate deformation is modelled with the Mooney–Rivlin constitutive law for incompressible rubber‐like solids. At the contact line, a stress singularity is known to arise, due to the surface tension acting on a line of infinitesimal thickness. To relive the stress singularity, either (i) the surface tension is applied over a finite contact region (of macroscopic thickness), or (ii) the solid crease angle is fixed. These two options suggest that normal component of Neumann's triangle law of forces, for the three surface tensions, is not applicable for elastic substrates (as for rigid ones). The vertical displacement of the contact line is a strong function of liquid/vapour surface tension and shear modulus of the solid. Copyright 2004 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.     

Refined geometrically nonlinear formulation of a thin-shell triangular finite element

A refined geometrically nonlinear formulation of a thin-shell finite element based on the Kirchhoff-Love hypotheses is considered. Strain relations, which adequately describe the deformation of the element with finite bending of its middle surface, are obtained by integrating the differential equation of a planar curve. For a triangular element with 15 degrees of freedom, a cost-effective algorithm is developed for calculating the coefficients of the first and second variations of the strain energy, which are used to formulate the conditions of equilibrium and stability of the discrete model of the shell. Accuracy and convergence of the finite-element solutions are studied using test problems of nonlinear deformation of elastic plates and shells. __________ Translated from Prikladnaya Mekhanika i Tekhnicheskaya Fizika, Vol. 48, No. 5, pp. 160–172, September–October, 2007.     

Modified Mindlin plate theory and shear locking-free finite element formulation

The basic equations of the Mindlin theory are specified as starting point for its modification in which total deflection and rotations are split into pure bending deflection and shear deflection with bending angles of rotation, and in-plane shear angles. The equilibrium equations of the former displacement field are split into one partial differential equation for flexural vibrations. In the latter case two differential equations for in-plane shear vibrations are obtained, which are similar to the well-known membrane equations. Rectangular shear locking-free finite element for flexural vibrations is developed. For in-plane shear vibrations ordinary membrane finite elements can be used. Application of the modified Mindlin theory is illustrated in a case of simply supported square plate. Problems are solved analytically and by FEM and the obtained results are compared with the relevant ones available in the literature.     

Discontinuous Galerkin finite element method applied to the coupled unsteady Stokes/Cahn-Hilliard equations

Two-phase flows driven by the interfacial dynamics are studied by tracking implicitly interfaces in the framework of the Cahn-Hilliard theory. The fluid dynamics is described by the Stokes equations with an additional source term in the momentum equation taking into account the capillary forces. A discontinuous Galerkin finite element method is used to solve the coupled Stokes/Cahn-Hilliard equations. The Cahn-Hilliard equation is treated as a system of two coupled equations corresponding to the advection-diffusion equation for the phase field and a nonlinear elliptic equation for the chemical potential. First, the variational formulation of the Cahn-Hilliard equation is presented. A numerical test is achieved showing the optimal order in error bounds. Second, the variational formulation in discontinuous Galerkin finite element approach of the Stokes equations is recalled, in which the same space of approximation is used for the velocity and the pressure with an adequate stabilization technique. The rates of convergence in space and time are evaluated leading to an optimal order in error bounds in space and a second order in time with a backward differentiation formula at the second order. Numerical tests devoted to two-phase flows are provided on ellipsoidal droplet retraction, on the capillary rising of a liquid in a tube, and on the wetting drop over a horizontal solid wall.     

A Dorodnitsyn finite element formulation for laminar boundary layer flow

The Dorodnitsyn boundary later formulation is given a finite element interpretation and found to generate very accurate and economical solutions when combined with an implicit, non-iterative marching scheme in the downstream direction. The algorithm is of order (Δ²u, Δx) whether linear or quadratic elements are used across the boundary layer. Solutions are compared with a Dorodnitsyn spectral formulation and a conventional finite difference formulation for three Falkner-Skan pressure gradient cases and the flow over a circular cylinder. With quadratic elements the Dorodnitsyn finite element formulation is approximately five times more efficient than the conventional finite difference formulation.     

A simplified viscoelastic constitutive equation applied to a dynamic finite deformation problem

A single integral type of constitutive equation for finite viscoelastic deformation is proposed. A special case, which is a viscoelastic generalization of the constitutive equation for a neo-Hookean elastic solid, is used to consider the finite deformation problem of shock wave propagation resulting from the sudden application of compressive force at the end of a semi-infinite viscoelastic bar. An approximate method is used to determine the shock front path and shock strength when the viscoelastic dissipative effect is small.